One of the most important decisions a high school student-athlete will make is choosing which college to attend. Anywhere you pick where you will spend the next four years gaining academic, athletic, and social skills.
To make this selection, you must first consider all your possibilities. What colleges have beach volleyball programs? Should you compete in the NCAA Division 1, Division 2, or Division 3? Which colleges provide the finest academic and sports opportunities?
To assist you in your college search, we’ve compiled a list of the best beach volleyball colleges so you can learn about your alternatives. Keep reading.
Table of contents
- What Should You Look Out for in the Best Beach Volleyball Colleges?
- How do I pick the Best Beach Volleyball Colleges?
- Should I go to D1 beach volleyball colleges?
- Should I go to D2 Beach Volleyball College?
- Should I go to a D3 Beach Volleyball College?
- What is the Cost of the Best Beach Volleyball Colleges?
- What is the Admission Requirement for the Best Beach Volleyball Colleges?
- 15 Best Beach Volleyball Colleges
- #1. University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
- #2. Stanford University
- #3. Florida State University
- #4. University of Southern California
- #5. Pepperdine University
- #6. University of Washington
- #7. California State University – Long Beach
- #8. University of California – Davis
- #9. Loyola Marymount University
- #10. Abilene Christian University
- #11. California State University – Sacramento
- #12. Carson-Newman University
- #13. Jefferson City, Tennessee
- #14. Catawba College
- #15. Coastal Carolina University
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
- Recommendations
What Should You Look Out for in the Best Beach Volleyball Colleges?
According to the NCSA, approximately 45 percent of college athletes join their team’s roster.
It shows that student-athletes need to select the most outstanding college fit for their needs and, as a result, leave the group. When deciding on the best beach volleyball college, you must consider four factors.
#1. Athletic Fit
Having a realistic estimate of what level is appropriate for you is critical. Understanding the abilities required to take part at each division level helps you determine which programs are the most incredible athletic fit for you.
#2. Academic Fit
While good grades are a requirement for college admission, you should also consider academic fit in choosing a school that offers the principal (s) you want to pursue and a manageable academic workload.
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It is more than just campus culture. When looking for a suitable social match in the best beach volleyball colleges, consider location, school size, weather, distance from home, and other crucial considerations.
#4. Financial Fit
Since most programs cannot provide full-ride sports scholarships, families must prepare to fund at least some college costs. Learn to analyze schools based on your expected contribution.
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How do I pick the Best Beach Volleyball Colleges?
Try to put only some of your eggs in one basket regarding college choices. Compiling a list of suitable colleges that meet your requirements is critical. Here’s how to create a college list to set you up for success.
- Reach Schools: Our list of best beach volleyball colleges below has about 15 schools. Don’t dismiss any of these schools because you have a bigger one in mind. Keep them on your list because you never know what chances may arise, but don’t limit yourself to only dream schools.
- Target Schools: These schools are ideal for your qualifications and expectations. However, while these colleges may be perfect for athletics or academics, other recruits are interested in these programs.
- Consider Safety: Every student-athlete should have a list of safety schools available to them. You will probably get approval and a slot even in the worst-case situation.
Should I go to D1 beach volleyball colleges?
The D1 beach volleyball division has approximately 54 programs, making it the largest category for beach volleyball. D1 teams are famous for their high competition, physicality, and power.
Athletically, this is the most competitive level, yet you may see some high-quality D2 teams equivalent to D1 programs. At the D1 level, you can expect to play your sport all year, with only a tiny amount of time left over for activities other than beach volleyball and schooling. Athletes enjoying the thrill of competing against the best in the game frequently compete at this level.
D1 recruiting begins earlier than other division levels. If you want to play at a Division 1 beach volleyball college, start contacting college coaches in your sophomore year or early in your junior year.
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Should I go to D2 Beach Volleyball College?
D2 beach volleyball programs continue to be very competitive and attract elite athletes. The depth of the bench and, most times, the time commitment to your sport are the most noticeable distinctions between D1 and D2 teams.
Most D2 athletes will have more time to focus on academics or pick up extracurricular activities during the off-season. While there are still 11 D2 colleges that offer beach volleyball, that number is to expand in the coming years.
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Should I go to a D3 Beach Volleyball College?
There are presently only three D3 institutions that offer beach volleyball. D3 institutions have a lot to offer student-athletes. D3 student-athletes have the most schedule freedom to take part in extracurricular activities outside their sport and academics.
Furthermore, some of the most academically competitive schools are at the D3 level, guaranteeing student-athletes receive an excellent education while continuing to take part in their favorite sport.
D3 institutions do not offer athletic scholarships. However, they provide other types of financial aid, such as academic scholarships and need- or merit-based funding. Stay aware of the initial cost of attending a D3 institution.
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What is the Cost of the Best Beach Volleyball Colleges?
The general cost for the best beach volleyball colleges is-
- Total cost- $60,738
- Tuition- $34,098
- Fee- $1,477
- On-campus room & board- Not reported.
- Financial aid- 62%
What is the Admission Requirement for the Best Beach Volleyball Colleges?
Every school has its specific admission requirement. The general scores are-
SAT- 83%
- Reading- 580-710
- Math- 600-760
- Writing -590-730
ACT- 53%
- Composite- 28-33
- English- 28-34
- Math- 27-34
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15 Best Beach Volleyball Colleges
When considering colleges, student-athletes and their families consider a range of criteria such as cost, academics, size, and location.
NCSA has created a proprietary Power Rankings system that uses these characteristics to rank the nearly 70 four-year NCAA and NAIA beach volleyball universities. They are-
#1. University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
The UCLA women’s volleyball program is one of the best colleges for volleyball. Andy Banachowski has been the head coach every year since 1965 until his retirement following the 2010 season. Mardi Hardy was the head coach during that season.
Volleyball scholarships are available at the University of California, Los Angeles. Student-athletes can apply for need-based and academic scholarships. They offer NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NAIA, and NJCAA athletic scholarships.
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#2. Stanford University
Stanford volleyball has one of the most successful histories in the sport’s history. They have nine national championships and have competed in 17 national championship matches.
They have also participated in every NCAA tournament since its inception in 1981.
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#3. Florida State University
According to recent polls, they rank the Lady Seminole volleyball team 10th in the NCAA Division I East Region.
Tully Gymnasium has long been the home of Florida State volleyball. Overall, the Seminoles’ favorable confines have helped them become one of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s top programs, with a 511-163 record.
#4. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California Trojans men’s volleyball team is a collegiate volleyball team that represents the university (USC). The squad is a member of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletic conference (NCAA).
The Pepperdine women’s volleyball team has three home matches left in the 2024 regular season. The Waves will face #17 BYU, #2 San Diego, and unranked Portland in Firestone.
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#5. Pepperdine University
The Pepperdine Waves are the sporting team of Pepperdine University, located just outside Malibu, California. They compete at the NCAA Division I level.
Volleyball scholarships are available at Pepperdine University. Student-athletes can apply for need-based and academic scholarships. They offer NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NAIA, and NJCAA athletic scholarships. Athletic scholarships are for 34% of all student-athletes on average.
#6. University of Washington
The University of Washington in Seattle’s intercollegiate women’s volleyball team is known as the Washington Huskies.
They take part in the Pac-12 Conference and play their home games in Hec Edmundson Pavilion at Alaska Airlines Arena, erected in 1927 and rebuilt in 2000. It is one of the best beach volleyball colleges.
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#7. California State University – Long Beach
Nick MacRae is the Associate Head Coach of the Women’s Volleyball team at California State University, Long Beach. Head Coach Tyler Hildebrand is another vital member of the team.
Long Beach State Beach’s women’s volleyball team has a 49-24 NCAA Division I Tournament record.
#8. University of California – Davis
After two provisional seasons and the construction of a new stadium, UC Davis was promoted to Division I and became eligible for the postseason in 2007.
The University of California, Davis, is based in Davis, California, and the volleyball team competes in the Big West Conference (BWC). It is one of the best beach volleyball colleges.
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#9. Loyola Marymount University
Loyola Marymount runs the nation’s top Division II collegiate club volleyball team. They have built a fun and competitive team environment within LMU Club Sports since 2005 and strive to grow and advance the program every year.
The school has you covered whether you are an intercollegiate athlete taking part on the national stage in one of the 25 division I sports or want to compete with your Aggie peers.
#10. Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University has achieved full NCAA Division I status and is now qualified to compete in all NCAA and Southland Conference postseason events.
The NCAA delivered the news to ACU president Dr. Phil Schubert and director of athletics Lee De León following a vote by the Division I Board of Directors. It completed a four-year transition from Division II that pushed the Wildcat athletics program to membership in the top tier of intercollegiate athletics.
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#11. California State University – Sacramento
Sacramento State has committed to achieving national excellence in the NCAA Division I competition. It preserves a similar program for men and women. California State University is one of the best beach volleyball colleges.
#12. Carson-Newman University
Carson-Newman University is a private College but one of the high-flying beach volleyball colleges. The rural tuition here is about $28,900 for out-of-state travel. The volleyball program here is with the South Atlantic Conference Division: NCAA II.
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#13. Jefferson City, Tennessee
South Greene defeated the Jefferson County varsity volleyball team in 2024-23 at home. Division I AAA; District: AAA District 2.
The overall record is 1-14, with a 0-6 district record. DMA Rank No. 37; State Rank No. 207; State Division Rank No. 207. It is one of the best beach volleyball colleges.
#14. Catawba College
The college provides 117 full athletic scholarships to men and women who compete on the 23 NCAA Division II teams.
Catawba College volleyball team competes in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC).
In magnificent facilities, almost 500 student-athletes play in 23 NCAA Division II sports.
#15. Coastal Carolina University
Coastal Carolina University volleyball team competes in the Sun Belt Conference.
A Chanticleer is a ferocious and proud rooster. The Chanticleers had been a member of the Big South Conference since its inception in 1983 before entering the Sun Belt. Coastal has varsity teams in 19 sports, including eight men’s and 11 women’s teams.
Coastal Carolina University is a member of the Sun Belt Conference and competes in the NCAA Division I. Chanticleer football competes in the NCAA Division I-FBS competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
The colleges that have the finest beach volleyball program include:
California State University, Los Angeles
California State University.
Stanford University
Texas
Louisville
Stanford
Pomona State Polytechnic University.
Truman State University, NCAA Division 2.
Colorado School of Mines
Nebraska
Texas
Wisconsin
Louisville
Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, California, rank first and second, respectively. This region has the country’s highest concentration of AVP players, so opportunities to observe and learn from the best are frequent. The action on the beach is the same as this.
Conclusion
Beach volleyball is a rising collegiate sport, with around 90 universities offering it at the NCAA Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 levels, as well as the NAIA and the California Community Colleges Athletic Association (CCCAA).
However, many institutions aim to launch a beach volleyball program in the next few years. We hope our 15 best beach volleyball colleges can help you get started.
References
- ncsasports.org- Beach volleyball colleges
- sportsengine.com– Best beach volleyball colleges
- collegebeachvb.com– Beach colleges vb
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